CR 16-026, EmR1604 Hearing Information

Notice of Hearings

The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a public hearing on permanent rule WM-13-15 and an emergency rule WM-14-15(E) to revise ch. NR 16, Wis. Admin. Code related to fences for farm-raised white-tailed deer.

Hearing Information

Time:   7:00 p.m.

Date and location:

March 9, 2016 - Comfort Suites, N5780 Kinney Rd, Portage, WI 53901

Rule Information

These rules will establish a way for certain deer farmers to legally and safely maintain ownership of their animals following changes to federal and state regulations which are effective beginning on December 10, 2015. Emergency rule order WM-14-15(E) took effect upon publication in the official state paper on January 15, 2016.

These rules would eliminate the requirement for white-tailed deer farms to comply with either of the following as a condition of their fence certificate: 1) enrollment in the chronic wasting disease herd status program which is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection or, for farms greater than 80 acres in size, 2) testing 10% of deer that die annually and submit those results to the natural resources department.

The Department would still issue fence certificates, which would indicate whether a facility was enclosed by a single fence, doubled fence, or solid fence, according to standards already established in NR16. The chronic wasting disease and other testing requirements established under ATCP 10 would still be in effect. Farms not participating in the herd status program administered by agriculture department would not be allowed to export live deer.

Accessibility

1. Hearing impaired persons may request an interpreter for this hearing. Please make reservations for a hearing interpreter at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing, by writing to e-mail

2. Alternatively, you may contact the Department of Natural Resources TDD at [phone]. The hearing facility is accessible to disabled users.

3. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision of information material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call with specific information on your request at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing.

4. Handicap access is available at the hearing location.

Appearances at the Hearing and Submittal of Written Comments

Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before March 9, 2016. Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail, fax, E-mail, or through the internet and will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearing. Written comments and any questions on the proposed rules should be submitted to:

 

Mr. Scott Loomans

P.O. Box 7921

101 S. Webster Street,

Madison, WI 53707-7921

Or email Mr. Loomans at: [e-mail]

The rules may be reviewed and comments made at: https://health.wisconsin.gov/admrules/public/Home

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

The proposed rule will not have an effect on small businesses, as defined under s. 227.114 (1), Stats.

Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:

Linda Haddix [phone]

[e-mail]

Dated at Madison, Wisconsin ________________2/18/16___________